His remarks came after it became known that 24-year-old Shamil Mamedov, a bronze medalist at the 2023 World Championship, will now represent Bulgaria on the international stage.
“Such athletes initially act discreetly, obtaining passports from other countries in secret, and then make a statement about their new choice when it is already impossible to return, as they already have a new passport,” Mamiashvili noted.
He suggested introducing significant financial compensation for countries that accept wrestlers transitioning to them.
“Of course, it is impossible to force everyone to stay. It is necessary to establish large monetary payments that the recipient country will be obliged to pay us. However, regardless of the amount of compensation, it is impossible to fully assess and compensate for the years of effort put in by coaches. How can one measure the competitive environment in Russia and the skill of a youth coach who has invested their soul in raising a strong athlete?”
He also raised the issue that wrestlers who change their national team remain in Russia, continue training with their former coaches, and are in the same social environment. “Is this fair? I believe it is worth considering the appropriateness of their presence in the community where they achieved success. Coaches who continue to work with them must also understand their responsibility,” Mamiashvili added.
It was recently reported that 29-year-old Malik Shavaev has decided to compete for Kyrgyzstan.
